This is the first time I have ever written a review, and the only reason I write this is to share my experience and to educate those who are seeking to get a tattoo. I spoke with an artist at this fa... Read More
This is the first time I have ever written a review, and the only reason I write this is to share my experience and to educate those who are seeking to get a tattoo. I spoke with an artist at this facility, Iggy, about a sleeve I wanted to work on, and it was decided that we would accomplish this in roughly 16 hours of work, maybe more if need be. This artist has 20 plus years of experience, really seemed passionate about his work, and has done many amazing pieces for people.
We decided that the rate would be $150 an hour, a price that is very reasonable for experienced and talented artists. After 7 hours of work this artist only had the outline on my shoulder complete, roughly a 4 inch by 2 inch piece. No shading, no details, just a basic black outline. I am no tattoo expert, but was concerned with being $1000 invested with such little work complete. I expressed my concerns to the artist and asked to settle upon a set price for the piece, since this pace seemed to be a little slow. He declined, I accepted and respected his business model. After speaking to 8 different tattoo artists, speaking with friends with full sleeves, not only were they shocked by the limited progress Iggy had made, but they could not believe someone with 20 plus years of experience could rip off a customer to this extent.
With 8 hours left on the books with Iggy, which was supposed to cover the rest of my arm, but now was only limited to the shoulder piece, I respectfully explained I could not afford his pace and would have to cancel. He responded with saying he would do the remainder of the piece in 2 hours, for a total of $300. The remainder of this piece is the detailed shading, and realism which was supposed to take 16 hours, but now he is saying he could complete in 2 hours. It seemed funny to me that after saying I would take my business elsewhere that suddenly he could complete the rest in 2 hours instead of 8.
I try my best to assume positive intent in individuals, to give the benefit of the doubt, to not assume the worst. But after checking with multiple professionals, my suspicion was met. Iggy at Memento spent 7 hours of work, accumulating over $1,000 from me, for a piece that did not require that much time. He used someone like me who is ignorant to the tattoo process to make easy money off of.
Iggy does incredible work and I do not discredit his talent. I simply write this review to warn you of this shop and to be aware of how long a quality and long lasting tattoo takes, something that Iggy exceeded and took advantage of. I will gladly answer any questions and I stand by the review I have written. Read Less